Unspoken Rules For Driving in The Australian Outback
Living Bold is my life mantra. I'm always up for something new; a challenge, pushing myself out of my comfort zone and learning more about myself. It makes me feel proud. It makes me love on myself that little bit more. It confirms that anything is possible.
So when I took the year off from my full time teaching position I was overwhelmed by my options. What to do, where to go… I am sure it was no coincidence that a good friend tagged me on Facebook for a Governess position out in the far north west of New South Wales. Prior to that I did not even realise that a ‘Governess’ was such a thing in Australia. I was successful in scoring the job and felt eager. With less than two weeks before the big move to the Outback I first had to learn to drive a manual ute. With no prior experience, I conquered my fears and anxiety and picked it up with the help of one of my dads friends. I then headed west and drove solo for three days to arriving at Coally Station in Milparinka.
Living for ten weeks in the outback of Australia was amazing. Peacefully silent, refreshing and it left me feeling in awe of mother nature. When not teaching my students I was out and about in my ute exploring the vast landscapes. There are unspoken rules about driving in the Outback which come with experience…
Expect everyone to wave to you as you pass them on the road and so be sure to wave back. Everyone is so friendly.
When overtaking someone on an unsealed road, drive on the right side for a kilometre or so (provided no one is coming towards you) therefore your dust trail does not block the other drivers vision.
Always be prepared by having water in the car. It's hot out there!
Work out how many kilometres your car can do to the litre so you have an idea of how far you can drive before you must fill up. There are limited petrol stations. Plus petrol at the remote stops cost a fortune!
Support small towns. Drop in to the pub or local store. They rely on your business.
If you see a photo opportunity stop, get out and take your picture. You never know if you will have the opportunity again.
Avoid driving at dawn and dusk. That's when the kangaroos, emus, sheep, goats and cows are out either on or by the side of the road. If you must drive at this time it just means you need to be more alert.
Don't toot your horn at kangaroo's. It scares them and they scatter all different ways. I learnt that lesson the hard way and got a cracked light in the process. Thankfully I didn’t run him over, apparently they smell really bad if you do hit one.
Invest in a small pair of 'roo scarers' to place on the front of your car. I think they help.
Stick to the main road. Avoid short cuts or unknown areas.
Wash your windscreen at every petrol station you stop at. You hit so many bugs and insects that you truly appreciate a clear windscreen to look out of once you wash it.
Don't drive through large amounts of water on the road. You never know when the next car will be coming along to help pull you out.
Drive extra carefully if there has just been rain. The dirt roads are extra slippery and bumpy.
The Australian Outback is like no other place. It is definitely worth a visit!
Have you been?